An Emerging Contradiction In Housing Policy By: Doug Johnson, Founding Director of Mesh The direction of travel for affordable housing is clear. Legislation and policy, including Awaab’s Law and the recently announced Warm Homes Plan, are rightly focused on improving the quality, safety and energy efficiency of affordable homes, whilst tackling fuel poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. Warmer homes should reduce energy bills, improve occupier comfort, support better health outcomes and contribute significantly towards the drive to net zero. However, whilst this ambition is welcome and needed, there is an emerging contradiction – the very measures designed to make homes warmer, more airtight and cheaper to run can also significantly increase the risk of overheating. As climate change brings more frequent and intense heatwaves, overheating is no longer a marginal issue. It is becoming a clear housing risk and even more so for the more vulnerable members of our society. The Warm Homes Plan is fundamentally about enabling people to live affordably in their homes, using modern and renewable technologies to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions at a time when fuel poverty is rising. That principle is sound. Equally, well-ventilated homes are directly linked to good health and wellbeing. … Continue reading Fuel Poverty, Health and Overheating